By R. A. Rothwell
As a “personal-responsibility” Republican, no one is more shocked than I am because I am going to agree with Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan, BUT with several caveats and stipulations occurring in this order:
1. You first, Mr. Biden. Lead by example. Put your wallet where your “magnanimous” mouth is. You choose one deserving soul from each of the 50 states and each of the U.S. territories, and send them a $10,000 check.
If the check bounces or you stop payment on the check, they will be awarded double the amount. I don’t even care if the check is drawn on a Chinese bank.
2. Since we know Hunter wants to show his support for the “Big Guy,” he shall choose one student’s debt for each hooker he has employed, for each time he’s lit up a crack pipe, and for each line of cocaine snorted.
Of course, if none of these events have ever occurred, he is off the hook; something he has personal experience with. Conversely, this could take away the student loan debt of ALL Americans.
3. ALL Senators – and I mean ALL – since many Republicans are spending like Democrats, using taxpayer money to look like the good guys – will choose two loans to pay off from students in the state they represent.
4. All Representatives will foot the bill for one of their District’s deserving graduates.
5. After the Politicians have paid up, start a “Go fund me” or similar page to allow any concerned citizen to freely offer to pay for these college loans. See what kind of a response there is in order to judge the popularity of this program.
The recipient of the loan forgiveness must pass certain tests. In the past 15-years (was going to make that 10, but since the President linked this handout to Covid, and several restrictions made normal life non-existent for two years, the qualification length is increased):
1. Have not bought a new vehicle. A used vehicle needed to drive to a job and not to a riot or other protest is exempt.
2. Have not taken an out-of-the-country vacation. Have not taken a flight over 100-miles, except for family emergency.
3. Have not bought a house, condo, vacation home, timeshare, RV or other off-road toy.
4. Have not been arrested for illegal drug possession or DUI. If you had money to party, you had money to put against YOUR student loan.
5. The college degree they strove to obtain is one that could earn them a living and they must have graduated.
6. Must be a bonafide, legal U.S. Citizen. Not on a student visa which they have overstayed; not someone who crossed ANY border illegally; not someone who did not attend a U.S. collage located IN the United States.
This “pay off” is fully taxable. It’s not a freebie. My Social Security is taxed even though I contributed pre-deduction dollars into the system, thus being double-taxed on my own money.
It’s time the youth of this country learn there really is no free ride. You earn what you get by hard work.
And for each college loan paid off, a similar amount paid in the way and sequence as described above in numbers 1-5 of HOW the debt will be paid, and none of the Recipient restrictions applying, will be given to a Veteran or a Gold-Star Veteran’s family.
Biden – you DO NOT have the right to give away taxpayer funds. This “privilege” goes to Congress. Quit buying votes. Do the taxpayers a favor Brandon, go back to hiding in your basement.
Roberta A Rothwell is a resident of Winnemucca.
